EDUCATION 2021

“Festivals are places for experiencing and discovering. They provide informal spaces and safe surroundings for exchanging and understanding.” Fully in the spirit of this announcement in the program, the varied education program of the VIENNA DESIGN WEEK was conceived to take visitors of every age by the hand and offer them the opportunity to experience, access, or discuss design in the company of others. From the classical guided tour of the Festival Headquarters to insider-led tours of hidden places (Skate Spots! Beisl! Private synagogue! Architecture!), the wide-ranging program offered dozens of suitable opportunities for shared experiences that will leave powerful lasting memories. And what applied before the festival still applies today: “The education program of the VIENNA DESIGN WEEK brings design to exactly the place where it’s most urgently needed – to the people.”

In 2021, particular attention was once again paid to the range of activities for schools and children that was put together to bring design closer to young people. Together with the education team, as a group, or on their own – pupils were able to explore the exhibitions in the Festival Headquarters and projects in the Focus District Brigittenau. The subjects were varied: digital matters, the urban food supply, sustainability, and art. In addition to this, the festival again offered a handout for teachers, with which they could also guide their pupils through the VIENNA DESIGN WEEK themselves.

The OeAD supports active artistic and cultural education in schools.

The VDW21 app enabled festival visitors to plan their own route and playfully navigate their way through the City Full of Design: They could collect points, save favorites, share experiences with friends, and, thus, never lose their overview of their personal program highlights.